11-nt European Waterways AmaKristina
Itinerary
| Day | Ports of Call | ||
| 1 | Zurich, Switzerland | ||
| 2 | Zurich, Switzerland | ||
| 3 | Lucerne, Switzerland | ||
| 4 | Lucerne, Switzerland | ||
| 5 | Basel, Switzerland | ||
| 6 | Breisach, Germany | ||
| 7 | Strasbourg, France | ||
| 8 | Ludwigshafen, Germany | ||
| 9 | Rhine Gorge, Germany | ||
| 10 | Cologne, Germany | ||
| Show more | |||
| 11 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | ||
| 12 | Amsterdam, Netherlands | ||
| Show less | |||
Know Before You Go
- Pricing includes cruise portion only. For pre and post accommodations, please contact your PERX travel planner.
- Please be discreet, do not discuss your industry discounts with other guests aboard your sailing.
- Please ensure that you have your ID available when boarding.
- We strongly suggest purchasing travel protection to cover medical expenses in the event that medical attention is required.
Overview
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
CRUISE FROM : Amsterdam to Basel
Experience the deep-rooted holiday traditions of Europe at its most festive time of year. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to Switzerland's glittery cities, Lucerne and Zurich, get caught up in the magic of the holidays with visits to some of the world's most timeless Christmas Markets. Warm up with a mug of steamy gluhwein while at the Cologne Christmas Market located in front of its UNESCO-designated Gothic cathedral. Let the "Capital of Noel," Strasbourg, the oldest and largest Christmas Market in France, captivate you the way it has for so many others for centuries. Meander through Heidelberg's majestic Christmas Market nestled idyllically amongst the historic squares of the Old Town. And while in Gengenbach, marvel at the world's largest Advent calendar, where every evening at 6:00 PM, the brightly lit windows of the neo-classical town hall open and behind each one is a picture by a famous artist, such as Andy Warhol. Cherish all the glory of the season in grand European style as you cruise along the Rhine.
COUNTRIES: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
RIVERS: Rhine
Christmas Markets on the Rhine
At A Glance
On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
AWARD-WINNING DINING
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Land Program
The AmaKristina – launched in 2017 – is a sister ship to the AmaViola and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Their exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 350 sq. feet. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a ‘swim-up’ bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and entertainment on demand; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.
Ship Length: 443 ft Total Staff: 51 Guest Capacity: 156
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 : ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Arrive in Zurich and check-in to your hotel.
Day 2 : ZURICH
Set alongside a gleaming lake and framed by the Alps, Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future-all of which will be on full display during your city tour. See Grossmunster Abbey; St. Peter, which boasts the world's largest church clock face; Old Town; Town Hall; and Fraumunster Abbey. Experience the magic of Zurich dressed in her holiday best. Visit Zurich's Christmas Markets, including the largest indoor Christmas Market in Europe located in Zurich's Main Train Station. An absolute highlight is a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals. (B)
Day 3 : ZURICH - LUCERNE
Check out of your hotel for a scenic drive past three lakes before reaching Vitznau. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Afterwards, check into your hotel. (B)
Day 4 : LUCERNE
Take a walking tour of Lucerne soaking up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem. The iconic Lion Monument, which you'll visit was sculpted in memory for the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. It has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for centuries, including Mark Twain who praised it as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." You'll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. Located around the Musegg Wall area, the towers rise high over the city, giving great panoramic views of Lucerne, the Reuss River and the surrounding mountain scenery. There are a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city. Afterwards, soak up the festive atmosphere of this medieval gem wandering through its Christmas Market located at the Franziskanerplatz and enjoy the festive atmosphere with a mug of holiday cheer, gluhwein. (B)
Day 5 : LUCERNE - BASEL - EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel and head to Basel. Before boarding the ship, you'll go on a highlights tour of the city. One of Switzerland's most cosmopolitan cities, Basel is home to 40 museums (the highest concentration in the nation), a picturesque Old Town and richly decorated Market Square, a 500-year-old Rathaus (town hall) and Switzerland's oldest zoo (built in 1870 and home to 600 animal species and exotic flora). (B,D)
Day 6 : BREISACH, GERMANY
Visit the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr beautifully dressed in her holiday finery with twinkling decorations and a lively Christmas Market. On your walking tour, admire historical architecture, as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Freiburg, founded in 1120, and home to Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone, as well as its enchanting Christmas Market. Those wishing a more active excursion will want to cycle through the scenic countryside; or go on an excursion to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking half-timber houses, ruined castles and quaint towns. (B,L,D)
Day 7 : STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg is even more alluring during the season of Advent. The Christkindelsmarik dates back to 1570, making it the oldest Christmas Market in France. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour that takes you past the Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Republique. Afterwards, walk through the historic town center on the Grande Ile, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and through the lovely "La Petite France" district, where you will see the Cathedrale de Notre Dame with i